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Rep. Scott Holcomb

Leaders in the public sector have plenty of public resources to promote their political views, accomplishments and experience. Often the public record holds much more: personal and campaign finance disclosures, expense reports, and business, tax and court filings. Here’s what they show:

Friends and family top Holcomb’s list of political donors. His wife’s family has given more than $24,000 to his campaigns for the Legislature and secretary of state, while former colleagues at the law firm of Sutherland Asbill and Brennan, including former Rep. Elena Parent, have contributed nearly $21,000.

Political career

Finished 5th in 2006 in a crowded field of Democrats running for Secretary of State.

Elected 2010 to the House without opposition, qualifying after incumbent Kevin Levitas backed out of the race.

Defeated Republican candidate Chris Boedeker in the 2012 general election.

Candidates may make political donations with campaign funds, allowing prolific fund-raisers to share their contributions with other legislators or candidates. Some advocacy groups believe such transfers should be limited to an aggregate of $10,000 per election cycle. Holcomb’s committee made these political donations:

2006: $0

2010: $3,100

2011-12: $3,000

Lobbyist spending

2011: $37

2012: $68

Per Diem

When the Legislature is out of session, members may collect $173 per diem, plus mileage, for attending a committee meeting or conducting other official business. Lawmakers living within 50 miles of the Capitol are taxed on these payments, which were originally intended to cover out-of-town members’ food and lodging.